What to See in Tbilisi in One Day: City Walking Route

Tbilisi is an ancient city, very beautiful and interesting. You can come here several times and there is always something else to see.

If for the first time we arrived in the capital of Georgia, Start with a walk along Sh Avenue. Rustaveli from the metro station of the same name to Freedom Square.

What you can see in 1 day:

• Prospect Sh . Rustaveli
• Opera and Ballet Theater
• Theater named after. Shota Rustaveli
• Parliament of Georgia
• National Gallery
• National Museum of Georgia
• Bridge of Peace
• Rike Park
• Narikala Fortress
• Metekhi Church
• Sioni Temple

Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue is the main one in Tbilisi, its cultural artery. It is often compared with St. Petersburg Nevsky and Moscow Tverskaya. The avenue connects the squares of the First Republic and Freedom. It used to be called Golovinsky, in 2018 it changed its name and now its name is dedicated to the Georgian poet of the 12th century Shota Rustaveli, the author of the famous "Knight in Tiger Skin".

In a small space, and the length of the avenue is only 1.5 km., there are more than 10 notable places. It is more convenient to start a walk from the Rustaveli metro station.

So, let's go.

Opera and Ballet Theater named after. Paliashvili

Opera and Ballet Theater named after. Paliashvili, house No. 25

The largest musical theater in Georgia was founded in 1851, although the first opera in the Georgian capital was staged back in 1845. A building was specially built on Freedom Square (Erivan), the first theater season opened there on November 9, 1851. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed in a fire in 1874.

The theater "settled" in the new premises in 1896. The building is very beautiful, built in the Moorish style. The musical works of P. Tchaikovsky were staged here, such great artists as F. Chaliapin, S. Lemeshev, S. Rachmaninov, Z. Sotkilava, N. Tsiskaridze performed.

Sh. Rustaveli Drama Theater

The Rustaveli Drama Theater is located in house No. 17 B.

The late Baroque building is perhaps the most regal on the avenue. According to the plan of architects A. Shimkevich and K. Tatishchev, it was supposed to amaze the imagination. The theater celebrated a housewarming party in 1901, after a fire in 1949 it was completely restored.

There is a small alley of stars in front of the theater. Stars with the names of famous Georgian artists and theater figures are laid in the pavement.

Georgian Parliament

Georgian Parliament, Sh. Rustaveli Ave., house No. 8. The pompous building was built according to the project of G. Lezhava and V. Kokorin in 1938-1953.

During the presidency of M. Saakashvili, in 2012-2018, the Parliament of the Republic was located and worked not here, but in Kutaisi.

National Art Gallery

D. Shevardnadze National Art Gallery (11 Rustaveli Ave.) was previously called Blue because the building is lined with blue stone.

The main Art Museum of Georgia has a collection of more than 30,000 exhibits, these are the most significant works of Georgian painting. Among them are the works of such masters as N. Pirosmani, L. Gudiashvili, etc. The works of European and Russian artists are also presented. Entrance to the museum from the park on April 9th.

National Museum of Georgia

National Museum of Georgia it is named after Simon Janashia and is located on the avenue in the house number 3.

This is a large museum complex that preserves the history and traditions of Georgia. Only one building from the museum complex and part of the exhibits are located on Shota Rustaveli Avenue. These are archaeological finds, documents, weapons, clothes from different eras. The "golden fund" of the museum — artifacts from the Trialeti mound (II century BC).

Freedom Square

Freedom Square is the main square in the Georgian capital.

At different times it was called the Hotel, Erivansky Square, L. Beria, V. Lenin. And only since 2016 it has had its current name. In the center there is a column, on it is a statue of St. George, the dragon slaying (the work of Z. Tsereteli).

Prospect Sh . Rustaveli starts from the square, the streets of G. Tabidze, A. Pushkin, K. Abkhazia, G. Leonidze, Sh. Dadiani lead to it. On the square, consider the building of the Sakrebulo Tbilisi (People's Assembly) in the Moorish style.

Rezo Gabriadze Theater

From the square we walk along N. Baratashvili Street down to the lamplighter statue. And then to the right, to the Rezo Gabriadze Theater (13 Shavteli Street). Adjacent to the building is an inclined clock tower. On it, at 12:00 and 19:00, shutters open, dolls appear, and a mini-performance "The Cycle of Life" begins, showing the stages of human life from birth to death.

Anchiskhati Church

Not far from the theater we see the ancient Anchiskhati Church (6th century).

It is recognized as the oldest temple that has survived to this day in Tbilisi. It is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin and erected in honor of it. It suffered destruction during the attacks from Persia and Turkey, was restored and completed until the XIX century.

During the reign of the USSR, a museum was opened in the building in order to avoid destruction. Subsequently, the church was preserved and reopened to parishioners after the collapse of the union. Today it is famous for its bright Georgian chants.

Rike Park

From here we cross the Peace Bridge to Rike Park. The lower station of the cable car leading to the Narikala fortress has settled here.

Also here is the famous bridge of the World and the no less presentable Metekhi Bridge. This is the most modern and new park in Tbilisi, so it quickly earned recognition among tourists and residents of the city. There are countless entertainments, recreation areas and sports grounds. Perfectly combined with the landscape and landscaping of the territory.

By the way, the name of the park has an interesting origin – Rike means sands that appeared after the shallowing of the left arm of the Kura River at the beginning of the XX century.

Narikala Fortress

The Narikala fortress was built a long time ago, the first mention of it dates back to the 4th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the defensive structure was rebuilt and strengthened. But at the beginning of the 19th century there was an explosion at the powder magazine, the fortress was badly damaged and after that it was not used for military purposes.

Partial restoration of the fortress was carried out in 1996-1997, the Church of St. Nicholas (12th century) was restored. You can see fragments of walls and towers, the Church of St. Nicholas. The statue of Kartli's Mother is visible from the observation deck. Mother Georgia holds a cup of wine in one hand and a sword in the other, symbolizing hospitality and readiness to defend against enemies.

Old Town

You can go down to the Old Town, to the Maidan, on foot. There are several cafes where you can relax and have lunch.

The old Town impresses with its atmosphere and authenticity. It is amazing how a piece of the Middle Ages has been preserved inside the modern and developed Tbilisi. Stone houses, clay streets and the spirit of antiquity amazes every tourist.

Enjoy this beauty and take a short break in your journey by tasting Georgian national cuisine in local cafes and restaurants.

Sulfur baths

Then the route leads to sulfur baths, Fig gorge and waterfall.

The Abanotubani district is known far beyond the borders of the country. People come here from all over the world to experience the healing properties of sulfur springs. This quarter is not just a place where steam rooms are built, but a separate history of the city and the nation.

The gorge of Legvtakhevi, located here, became famous for the sheer cliffs on which residential buildings are located, and the waterfall falling down at the end of the trail. Every tourist just needs to take a walk here, otherwise they will not be fully imbued with the flavor of Georgia.

Metekhi Temple

The old town and the left bank of the Kura are connected by the Metekhi Bridge, we walk along it to the monument to the founder of the city Vakhtang Gorgasali, next to the temple of Metekhi.

The history of this temple begins in the distant V century AD. Legends say that the palace of King Vakhtang Gorgasali was located here. For many years it was strengthened and completed. Many generations of the royal family spent time here for prayers. During the Persian invasion, the cathedral was burned down and then restored by George XIII.

In the XIX century, a prison was located on the territory of the temple, cells were completed, and the fortress walls were destroyed. Only by the end of the XX century the remains of the prison buildings were dismantled, the church was restored, and the territory was ennobled.

Sioni Temple

After visiting these historical objects of Tbilisi, we return to the Maidan Square, along the streets of Chardin and Sionskaya we approach the Sioni Temple. An ancient relic is kept here — a wooden cross of St. Nino. According to legend, this cross was given to her by the Mother of God before leaving for Georgia.

After leaving the cathedral, take a walk back to the Rezo Gabriadze Theater. There is a cafe Gabriadze at the theater. It has an original interior and delicious food. You can have dinner and try to get to the performance at the puppet theater. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, you can — via the Internet.

Didn't get to the theater? Then we'll walk a little more. Turning left, you can go to K. Afkhazi Street and return to Freedom Square. Along the way you will meet souvenir shops and designer boutiques.

If you still have the strength, wander through the old streets in the area of the square, there are many interesting places here, the atmosphere of the ancient city has been preserved.

Enjoy your acquaintance with Tbilisi!