🥾 One day in Tbilisi on foot: the center, 🌉 Narikala, ♨️ sulfur baths - where to go?

🏛 Walk along Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue is the heart of the "new" Tbilisi. Wide sidewalks, massive buildings made of light stone and the strict lines of theaters, museums and administrative buildings help to feel the metropolitan scale of the city.

Here it is worth stopping by the Georgian National Museum, admiring the facade of the Opera and Ballet Theater, and also looking into the side streets - often this is where cozy courtyards with grape vines and painted balconies are hidden.

Tip: take a break at one of the street coffee shops - locals love their morning coffee "on the go", and this is a good way to feel the rhythm of the city.

🕊 Freedom Square and the entrance to the Old Town

Moving down the avenue, you will find yourself at Freedom Square - a symbolic crossroads of the history and modern life of Tbilisi. In the center stands a column with a statue of St. George, sparkling in the sun.

From here the road leads to the Old Town: the contrast becomes obvious. Noisy traffic and strict architecture are left behind, and ahead are narrow cobblestone streets with wrought-iron balconies, brick facades and quiet courtyards.

Tip: pay attention to the details - carved doors, old signs and street art, which is found here literally at every step.

🛍 Kote Abkhazi Street and Gabriadze Tower

The walk continues along Kote Abkhazi Street (former Leselidze). Here the spirit of old Tbilisi has been preserved: small antique shops, shops with national souvenirs, second-hand book shelves right at the entrance. The atmosphere is conducive to leisurely stops and photos.

The final point of the morning route is the famous Gabriadze Clock Tower, created by the founder of the puppet theater. The tower looks deliberately crooked, as if it came from the pages of a fairy tale, and every hour it comes to life with a small performance: a figure of an angel comes out of the window and rings a bell.

Photo spot: the tower is beautiful at any hour, but especially in the morning, when the light is soft and there are still few tourists.

📌 Thus, the morning route provides a bright contrast: from the monumental Rustaveli to the fairytale Gabriadze Tower through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town. This is the perfect start to the day to feel how different eras and moods of Tbilisi come together.

🌉 Bridge of Peace and 🌳 Rike Park

The Bridge of Peace is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Tbilisi. The glass and metal arch shimmers beautifully in the sun and looks especially impressive in the reflection of the Kura River. After crossing the bridge, you can take several panoramic photos of the old city, and return here in the evening for the backlight.

On the opposite side is Rike Park. This is a green oasis with lawns, fountains and sculptures. It is nice to linger here for a while: watch street musicians, relax on a bench or get a drink from a kiosk. The park also serves as a starting point for the cable car.

🚡 Cable car to panoramas near Narikala

From Rike Park, it is convenient to take the cable car to the Narikala Fortress. Just 2-3 minutes - and you are soaring above the roofs of old Tbilisi. The cabins offer beautiful views: church domes, river bends, colorful balconies.

At the top, there are observation decks next to the fortress walls and the famous statue of "Mother of Kartli". The best panoramas of the city open up from here.

⚠️ Important: the Narikala fortress itself is closed for reconstruction and will not be accessible in 2025. However, access to the observation decks around the walls remains open, and this is where you can enjoy the panoramas of the capital.

Please note: sometimes the cable car is closed for maintenance or due to strong winds. Therefore, it is worth checking the schedule in advance and having a plan "B" - for example, walking up to the fortress.

Advice: come to the cable car outside of peak hours to avoid long queues.

🏞 Descent to Abanotubani and walk to Legvtakhevi

After the observation decks, you can walk down towards the Abanotubani quarter, where the sulfur baths are located. Stone domes, a light smell of hydrogen sulfide and wisps of steam over the streets give the area a special atmosphere. Along the way, you will come across arched bridges and ancient buildings.

The furthest away, 10–15 minutes away, is the Legvtakhevi Gorge. This is one of the most amazing places in the city center: right here, among the stone cliffs, the city waterfall is hidden. The coolness, the sound of water, and the shadow create a sharp contrast with the busy streets. A great place to relax, take photos, and feel the natural part of Tbilisi.

📌 The daytime part of the route combines modern architecture, city panoramas, and a piece of nature. This contrast makes the walk dynamic and memorable: from the glass Bridge of Peace to the noisy Legvtakhevi waterfall — in just a few hours.

After walking around Tbilisi, it's time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Old Town. The evening here gives a special mood: lantern lights, narrow streets and a feeling of coziness.

⛪ Sioni Cathedral

Take a look inside Tbilisi's main church, the majestic Sioni Cathedral, located right by the Kura River. Inside, there are relics, including the cross of St. Nino, a symbol of Georgia's conversion to Christianity ✝️. Silence reigns here, with only the quiet chants of the choir and the crackling of candles 🕯️ to be heard. Pay attention to the icons in gold frames and the ancient frescoes on the walls. Dress modestly and respect the atmosphere of this place - it is not only a landmark, but also a living temple for parishioners.

🏛️ Meidan

Leaving the cathedral, you will find yourself on Meidan, an ancient trading square that has been the heart of cultural and commodity exchange for centuries. Today, it is bustling with life: cozy cafes with churchkhela and coffee ☕, souvenir shops with carpets and spices, street musicians 🎶. The uniqueness of this place is that literally a few minutes from each other there is an Orthodox church, a synagogue and a mosque - a rare example of peaceful neighborhood. A great pause to feel the atmosphere of Old Tbilisi before choosing the finale of the evening.

Two scenarios:

🛁 Option A. Sulfur Baths

Abanotubani is the heart of Tbilisi, a place where hot sulfur springs gushed from underground back when the city was founded 🔥💧. One hour in the bathhouse relieves fatigue after walks and gives a special feeling of renewal. You can choose a common room (cheaper and noisier) or a private room for a quiet rest alone. The atmosphere here is colorful: the domes of the baths, the smell of sulfur, steam and the hum of voices. Advice: book in advance, especially in the evening, and take slippers or a towel 🩴.

🍷 Option B. Shardeni Street

If you want life and communication, head to Shardeni. In the evening, this pedestrian street lights up with garlands and lanterns ✨, and the noisy tourists during the day are replaced by a light evening crowd. It's a cozy place to sit with a glass of wine 🍷 or a cup of coffee with dessert 🍰, listen to music and watch the life around you. Narrow alleys, illuminated facades and wine bars create the atmosphere of a European quarter, but with Caucasian charm. A walk along Shardeni will leave a festive feeling and will end your day in Tbilisi on a warm and lively note.

✨ Bottom line: choose the silence of the baths or the energy of Shardeni - and your evening in Tbilisi will be the perfect end to the day.

⛪ Narikala
As of 2025, the fortress is under reconstruction. Focus on the panoramas near the walls and the observation deck next to the statue of "Mother of Kartli" 👩‍🦳⚔️.

🚡 Cable car
Please note that the cable car may be interrupted due to wind or maintenance. Always check the announcements in advance.

🛁 Sulfur baths
Bring flip-flops 🩴 and a bottle of water 💧. Check the format of the visit (in a swimsuit or without) on site.

👟 Clothing and footwear
Sneakers with good soles are optimal. In summer, sunscreen ☀️ will come in handy, and in spring and autumn - a light windbreaker.

🙏 Ethics in temples
Follow the dress code: shoulders and knees are covered. You can take photos without a flash.

🔒 Safety
Tbilisi is generally safe, but in a crowd and in the evening, pay attention to your personal belongings - standard city rules.

Frequently asked questions before a walk around Tbilisi help to remove doubts and save time. Below we have collected the most useful answers that will be useful for every solo traveler.