How to Spend Three Days in Tbilisi: Itinerary for Travelers

• How to get from the airport to the city center
• Day 1: Historic Center and Main Sights
• Day 2: Cultural Heritage and Natural Beauty
• Day 3: Museums, Galleries, and Modern Tbilisi
• Interesting facts about Tbilisi
• Answers to frequently asked questions

Tbilisi is a city you can't help but fall in love with at first sight. Narrow streets lined with ancient houses with carved balconies, a rich history, unique architecture, and Georgian cuisine—all of this makes Georgia's capital a unique destination worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

If you only have three days to explore this amazing city, explore our guide, where we'll tell you how to make the most of your time.

Tbilisi International Airport is located approximately 17 km from the city center, giving you several options for quickly and easily getting to the capital.

• Taxi. This is the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you're arriving at night or with a lot of luggage. Once you leave the airport, you'll find plenty of taxis ready to take you to the city center. The ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes, and the cost typically ranges from 30 to 50 lari (about $10-$15), depending on the time of day and route.
• Bus. For those seeking a more economical option, bus #37 runs 24 hours a day to the city center. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs just 1 lari (approximately $0.30). The bus is convenient because it stops at key points in the city, such as Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square.
• Metro. There's no direct metro from the airport, but you can take a bus or taxi to the nearest Varketili metro station, then continue on the metro. This is a great way to avoid traffic and quickly get to the city center. A metro ride costs 1 lari, and the Tbilisi metro system is easy to use.

The first day in Tbilisi is best spent exploring its historical center, where the city's main attractions are concentrated.

Breakfast and start of the day – Avlabari district

Start your day in the Avlabari district, one of Tbilisi's most picturesque spots, offering picturesque views of the Kura River and the Old Town. Here you'll find numerous cozy cafes where you can enjoy a traditional Georgian breakfast. Try achma, a layered cheese pie, or churchkhela, a sweet dessert made with nuts and grape juice.

• Visiting the Metekhi Church. This ancient temple, founded in the 5th century, is located on the high bank of the Kura River and is one of the symbols of Tbilisi. The church's platform offers a magnificent view of the Old Town, the Kura River, and Bridge of Peace.

A walk through the Old Town

After breakfast, take a stroll through the Old Town, the historic center of Tbilisi, where every detail holds history.

💡The Secret of the Family Route
At Meydan Square, be sure to stop for a scoop of ice cream. Kids will love it, and adults will appreciate it as a break from their busy day.

• Shardeni Street. This pedestrian street, lined with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. It has a lively atmosphere, and there's always something interesting to discover, from live music to street artists.

• Visit to Sioni Cathedral. One of the main Orthodox churches in Tbilisi, built in the 6th-7th centuries, is not only an architectural monument but also houses one of Georgia's most important relics—the cross of St. Nina, who brought Christianity to the Georgian lands.

• A walk through the Abanotubani district. This area is famous for its sulfur baths, which remain popular among both locals and tourists. The baths' impressive architecture, domed roofs, and distinctive sulfur smell create a unique atmosphere. You can enjoy relaxing treatments in one of the baths, which have been operating here for several centuries.

💡Romance for two
Try a private sulfur bath for 45–60 minutes. Maintain a comfortable temperature, take short breaks, and don't forget the water—it's both healing and romantic.

• Ascent to Narikala.The ancient Narikala Fortress, built in the 4th century, can be reached on foot or by cable car. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. This spot is ideal for taking photos and enjoying the panoramic views.

💡If the cable car is closed
Sometimes the cable car is stopped due to wind. In this case, you can hike up to Narikala along a short trail or stroll throughthe National Botanical Garden. Shady bridges, a waterfall, and panoramic views no worse than those from the observation tower await there.

• Rike Park and the Peace Bridge. Finish your walk in Rike Park, a modern urban park home to one of the symbols of modern Tbilisi: the glass Bridge of Peace, designed by Italian architect Michele de Lucchi, which connects the old and new parts of the Georgian capital.

For those 60+, there's a route without stairs.
Start your day at the Metekhi observation deck and head along the embankment to Rike Park and the Bridge of Peace. There are no steep climbs, but the views are still impressive.

Lunch at one of the restaurants in the old town

After a busy walk, you'll naturally want to grab a bite to eat, and Tbilisi's old town offers plenty of restaurants where you can try traditional Georgian dishes.

• Recommendations for traditional Georgian dishes. Be sure to try khinkali — a thin, bag-shaped dough that conceals an incredibly flavorful filling of hot, spiced broth and a delicious meat or other filling; khachapuri — a fragrant, sweet pastry filled with cheese; and lobiani — a bean pie. For dessert, order churchkhela or baklava.

Evening. Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue

• A walk along Rustaveli Avenue. This is Tbilisi's main street, home to many historic buildings, museums, and theaters. Walking along the avenue, you'll see the Georgian Parliament, the former Vorontsov Palace, and the Rustaveli Theater one of the city's oldest theater buildings.

• Visit to the Georgian National Museum. This museum is the perfect place for those looking to delve deeper into Georgia's history. Here you'll find exhibits covering ancient civilizations, medieval Georgia, and the country's cultural achievements.

• Opera and Ballet Theatre. End your day at one of the city's main cultural landmarks, the majestic Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, built in 1851 and combining Eastern and European architectural elements.

The second day in Tbilisi can be dedicated to exploring the city's cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Morning. Dry Bridge and Fabrika

Start your day with a visit to the Dry Bridge (vintage/flea market). If there are no stalls on the market that day, try nearby galleries or start with the Fabrika.

After your visit, take a stroll along Agmashenebeli Avenue. Agmashenebeli Avenue is a convenient pit stop: have breakfast on a shady terrace or grab a coffee before heading to your next destination.

Fabrika

After a stroll and a pit stop on Agmashenebeli Avenue visit the Fabrika. This creative space offers a relaxed atmosphere. It features graffiti-covered courtyards, designer shops, street stalls, and cozy cafes. Fabrika exudes a sense of freedom and a relaxed European atmosphere. Children can run around here safely, and parents can relax.

• A great place for lunch, souvenirs and a quick break with Wi-Fi.

Day. Church of Our Lady of Didube

After lunch, you will pass the Church of Our Lady of Didube and the pantheon, where many famous Georgian figures are buried: poets, writers, artists, and politicians.

A walk through the Sololaki district

End your day with a stroll through the Sololaki district, known for its ancient mansions adorned with carved wooden balconies and courtyards. It's one of the most picturesque spots in Tbilisi, often off the beaten path but definitely worth a visit.

Evening. Walk along the embankment.

End your second day with a stroll along the Kura River embankment. In the evening, the embankment comes alive: the city lights reflect off the water, creating a romantic atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, sit in one of the many cafes, or take a boat ride on the river.

💡Wine tasting / non-alcoholic alternative
In the evening, visit Tbilisi's wine bars. They offer sets of 3-5 wines with snacks. If you don't drink alcohol, order homemade lemonades; they're equally delicious and refreshing.

The third day of your stay in Tbilisi can be devoted to visiting museums and galleries, as well as getting to know the modern part of the city.

Morning. Visiting museums.

Start your day by visiting some of Tbilisi's key museums.

• Georgian National Museum. Here you will find a rich collection of artifacts spanning over 5,000 years of Georgian history, as well as temporary exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art and culture.

• Museum of Modern Art. Learn more about contemporary Georgian art at the Zurab Tsereteli Museum, which features works by Tsereteli himself and other contemporary Georgian artists. The museum is located in the city center and is an important part of Tbilisi's cultural life.

Lunch in the Vake area

After visiting the museums, head for lunch to the Vake district, one of Tbilisi's most upscale and green areas, where you'll find many excellent restaurants with a variety of modern Georgian cuisine on the menu.

Day. Turtle Lake and the Ethnographic Museum

After lunch, head to Turtle Lake. From Vake , there's a convenient climb to Turtle Lake (about a 40-minute walk with breaks, or a short taxi ride). The area is surrounded by a walking path, benches, and quiet. It's a great spot for a mini-picnic.

After a stroll around Turtle Lake, stop by the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum. It's a true "Georgian puzzle": houses, barns, and courtyards from different regions of the country. The tour will take 60–90 minutes, but it will give you a complete understanding of Georgian culture and everyday life.

Evening. Wine bars and traditional Georgian dishes.

Spend your last evening in Tbilisi enjoying Georgian wines and the culinary traditions of this amazing country. But if you still have the energy and time, head to the Chronicles of Georgia monument at sunset. The enormous columns and golden light make this place an unforgettable end to your three-day itinerary.

• Visiting a wine bar in the Old Town. Georgia is famous for its wine production, and in Tbilisi you will find many wine bars where you can sample the best local wines and enjoy the atmosphere of cozy streets and ancient buildings.

• Final dinner at one of the city's best restaurants. End your trip to Tbilisi with dinner at one of the city's best restaurants, enjoying exquisite cuisine and incredible views of the capital's night lights.

Three days in Tbilisi is just a small glimpse into the vast world of this amazing city. However, even in such a short time, you can immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere, feel the spirit of antiquity and modernity, savor the flavors and aromas of Georgian cuisine, and, of course, fall in love with Tbilisi as much as the locals do.

To make your trip as convenient as possible and tailored to your interests, we've prepared several customized itineraries. Whether you're visiting Tbilisi as a couple, with your whole family, or looking for a more relaxed pace without the rush, each experience has its own unique tempo and mood.

💕 3-Day Getaway for a Couple (Romantic Edition)
This itinerary is designed to imbue every day with a cozy and romantic atmosphere: breakfasts with a view, strolls during the golden hour, dinners on terraces, and evening city lights. In this article, you'll find practical tips for couples, pit stop ideas for wine and desserts, budget tips, and much more.

👨‍👩‍👧 3 Days with Kids (Family Edition)
Three days in Tbilisi with family fun is a perfect balance of fun for kids and leisurely strolls for parents. This section includes life hacks for stroller-friendly routes, ice cream and lunch stops, and helpful tips on vacation and budgeting to make your trip easy and enjoyable.

🌿 3-day itinerary for seniors (gentle route)
This option is perfect for those who prefer a leisurely pace and minimal climbing: beautiful viewpoints, accessible attractions, and comfortable rest stops. This article includes recommendations for choosing convenient spots, pit stops with early dinners, budget tips, and helpful practical advice.

• City name: The name "Tbilisi" comes from the Georgian word "tbili," which means "warm." The city received this name due to the warm sulfur springs that were discovered here by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century.
• A multinational city: Tbilisi is a city where representatives of various ethnic and religious groups have coexisted peacefully for centuries, so here you can find Orthodox churches, Catholic cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, and Armenian Apostolic churches.
• Historic Center: Tbilisi's Old Town, which has preserved its unique architecture and narrow streets, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. In the city center, you can see houses with carved wooden balconies, one of Tbilisi's signature features.
• Bridge of Peace: This modern glass bridge across the Kura River, connecting the Old Town with the newer districts of Tbilisi, was opened in 2010 and has become a symbol of the unification of Tbilisi's past and present.
• Funicular to Mount Mtatsminda: One of the city's most famous landmarks is the funicular that takes you up Mount Mtatsminda, offering panoramic views of the entire city.
• Tbilisi TV Tower: This 275-meter-tall symbol of Tbilisi was built in 1972. The tower is illuminated at night and is visible from virtually anywhere in the city.
• Wine Tradition: Georgia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. In Tbilisi, you can sample many varieties of Georgian wine, some produced using traditional methods dating back thousands of years.
• Freedom of Religion: Tbilisi is home to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, and the Juma Mosque, where Muslims of various denominations pray together.
• Tbilisi Metro: The Tbilisi Metro opened in 1966, becoming the fourth in the Soviet Union after Moscow, Leningrad, and Kyiv. Today, it is an important transportation artery for the city, consisting of two lines.
• Communications/Navigation: Navigating is easy. Connect an eSIM or a local SIM card. Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, but save offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) and bring a power bank.
• Tbilisi Bath Complexes: One of the main attractions of Tbilisi is the sulfur baths, located in the Abanotubani district. Built on natural hot springs, these baths have been a place for city residents to relax and socialize for centuries.