Your guide to Tbilisi: all the most necessary information for a traveler.

Rental housing

Rent a house in Tbilisi it is possible for every taste: from hostels and guest houses to five-star hotels. Using the Airbnb service, you can find a separate apartment or apartments. The rental price depends on the area of the city, the class of housing and the time of year.

Couchsurfing has been actively developing recently, that is, the opportunity to live with someone from the locals for free. First you need to decide on the area of residence. The Old Town, Sololaki and Avlabari are considered historical districts. It is most convenient for tourists to live here, because then all the most interesting places and attractions will be within walking distance.

Georgy Leonidze Street leads to Freedom Square - this is the very center of the city. Here you can see old courtyards, houses with wooden balconies, clothes hung on ropes, as if in the old days. Renting an apartment in one of these courtyards costs $ 30 per day. Here you will have your own kitchen where you can practice cooking Georgian dishes.

The Chugureti district is located on the opposite bank of the Kura River from the tourist center. There is a fashionable space in the Georgian capital called Fabrika. An apartment on a pedestrian street with many restaurants, cafes and bars, for example on David Agmaneshebeli Avenue, in a 19th-century mansion will cost $ 30 per day. Here you can sit in a cozy bar or on your own balcony with a glass of Georgian wine, looking at people walking down the street.

The most interesting option is to find an apartment on Mtatsminda Mountain, for example, on Amagleba Street. Nature reigns in these places, fresh air, and only the singing of birds breaks the silence. In Mtatsminda Park there are places for leisurely walks and jogging, where special paths are equipped. You can go up or down to the city by funicular, the upper station of which is located here on the mountain.

The area of Sololaki and Mtatsminda are popular with locals, many representatives of the Tbilisi Bohemian live here. The cost of renting a house here is about $ 45 per day.

Hostels

Alcatraz Jail-Hostel is located in the heart of Tbilisi, on Betlemi Street. It has an original design in the style of a prison. There is, for example, a punishment cell room, and in some rooms bed linen and towels are black.

Visitors note the hospitality of the hosts, free Wi-Fi, cleanliness in the kitchen. There is a cozy terrace where you can sit at a tea table in the evening in an international company of tourists from different countries. It offers a beautiful view of the mountains. St. George's Cathedral is nearby. A bed in a 4-bed room costs $ 8 per night, a double room costs $ 25, the bathroom is shared here.

Ms Hostel is located in the same area. Jackson, which is located on the fourth floor in room No. 5 on Ilya and Nino Nakashidzebi Street. The beds in the dormitory room are separated from each other by a curtain, there are personal lamps and sockets. Note that this hostel does not have a signboard. But you can focus on the sign of the neighboring Downtown hostel, which is located nearby.

There is a hostel Anchi & Old Wall on Shavteli Street in house No. 12, in close proximity to Freedom Square. The rooms here are decorated in the style of old Georgia, the hostess Nina is always glad to have guests. The beds are equipped with orthopedic mattresses, there is a kitchen with the necessary equipment.

A bed in the common room costs $ 9, and a room with amenities and access to the patio, for two people — $ 30. The cozy Opera Rooms & Hostel Tbilisi is open to guests of Tbilisi on 24 Shota Rustaveli Avenue. This is an old mansion with high ceilings and vintage furniture, in the living room of which there is a piano. Foreigners often stay here, so this is a great place to practice spoken English. A bed costs $ 10, and you will have to pay $ 32 for a separate room.

Nomad Hostel at the address: 2nd cul-de-sac of the Zubalashvili Brothers, house 43 is located near Sh Avenue. Rustaveli. The interior is thought out very interestingly, the author's handmade works are used in the design. In the common room, the beds are separated from each other by a curtain, there are closets for storing things. Guests are treated to free coffee and tea with cookies. A bed costs $ 8, and a separate room costs $ 29.

Marie Brose Street is a quiet area located a little away from the center. Here, in the house 11/16 there is a new Gallery Hostel Tbilisi. The walls are decorated with original wallpaper depicting bookshelves, and wooden floors and high ceilings create a cozy and unique atmosphere. Guests are offered a delicious breakfast. A bed in a room costs $ 9 per night, and a room for two costs $ 30.

There is a hostel Diwan on Mtatsminda Mountain on V. Beridze Street, house 9. Its difference is the antique furniture and a wonderful view of the city from the windows of any room, including from the bathroom. There are no large rooms, there are small rooms, three shared bathrooms and a kitchen. One seat costs $20.

On Mtatsminda Street in the house 6/1 is located At Funicular Hostel with friendly hosts, friendly staff and spacious rooms. It offers a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a tour desk. Fabrika Hostel on Ignat Ninoshvili Street, house 8 is a cult, crowded place on the territory of the former factory. A great place with a special style and interesting interior. Nearby there are designer shops, cafes, a burger joint, a pub and other establishments.

Pinn Hotel & Hostel is a converted apartment in an old Tiflis mansion. There are high ceilings, parquet floors and walls in bright colors. A stylish mix of furniture — armchairs from the 70s of the twentieth century side by side with modern furniture from the IKEA store. The cost of living in a shared room is $ 8, a separate room costs $ 42.

On the Madloba channel, we told in detail how to choose a good hostel in Georgia, what you need to pay attention to.

Hotels

There are many hotels in Tbilisi with different levels of service and cost from $ 30 to $ 400. The main luxury hotel — Marriott is located on Shota Rustaveli Avenue, in the center of the capital. The cost of a room here is from $ 150 per day.

Greeting Hotels is located in close proximity to the sulfur baths. This is convenient if you plan to visit them. Nearby is the Narikala Fortress and the Botanical Garden. The hotel has cozy rooms with new furniture, from the windows you can enjoy the views of the Old Town. There is free parking and Wi-Fi. Room rates start at $50. The Grand Hotel Mimino is located in the center of the Armenian quarter, a five-minute walk from the Avlabari metro station. The hotel rooms are decorated in the style of the movie "Mimino". The price of one room per day starts from $ 60.

The brand new Old Town Mtatsminda Hotel is located on a quiet Vedzinai Street. It is very close to Sh Avenue. Rustaveli. Guests are offered breakfast and guided tours of the capital of Georgia. Renting a single room costs $36. Another hotel in the area of Shota Rustaveli Avenue on George Akhvlediani Street is Bricks Room Hotel. It is located in an old mansion with high ceilings and large windows. A surprise for the guests is a bottle of Georgian homemade wine. The cost of the room is $ 40.

Freedom Square Apart Hotel on Leonidze Street is a hotel in the old Tiflis area. There are wooden balconies, floors, in places the ceiling and walls are also wooden. The rooms overlook the traditional Tbilisi courtyard.

The friendly host of the hotel, Alexander, welcomes guests with a bottle of homemade wine. Nearby there is a pastry shop LUY, where guests are offered delicious coffee and rolls. Prices for double rooms in this hotel start from $47.

Ilja's Hotel is an old Tiflis apartment of the mid—twentieth century on D. Bakradze Street. High ceilings, light walls, parquet floors, antique pieces of furniture and interior — all this is pleasant to guests. There is a cozy glazed veranda where breakfast is served. The price of renting a room is $ 50.

Vino City Wine Hostel is located on the territory of the former German settlement of Noi Tiflis. It offers rooms with a mini-bar (a good selection of wine is noted), stylish design, a cozy courtyard, luggage storage and a safe. Marjanishvili Metro Station is just a 10-minute walk away.

Attractions: what to see in Tbilisiи

Old Tbilisi, with its narrow streets, is well suited for hiking. There is little that has changed in the last two centuries. On the opposite bank of the Kura River, the Metekhi Church is visible, from the observation deck at the temple there are beautiful views of the Narikala fortress. Not far from the church there is a monument to Tsar Vakhtang Gorgasali, who founded Tbilisi. According to legend, the king of Iberia hunted in the forests on the site of the current capital. His falcon wounded a pheasant, they fell into the spring together, where they boiled — the water was very hot. The tsar ordered to lay the city, which he called Tbilisi — "A warm place".

Narikala Fortress

The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is historically confirmed that it was already in the IV century. Only individual fragments of the fortress have been preserved, which are effectively illuminated in the evenings. You can climb here on foot by stairs and a winding path or use the cable car for 2.5 lari in one direction (≈ 1 $). The cable car operates from 9:00 to 23:00 daily. Near the fortress there is an observation deck from which you can admire the views of Tbilisi.

There is also a huge Botanical Garden. In summer, it's nice to hide from the heat, take a walk along shady alleys or organize a small picnic with friends. The garden presents not only local plants, but also many exotic representatives of the flora of other countries and continents. There are very picturesque corners and even a small waterfall.

A little away from the Narikala fortress, the Mother Georgia monument is visible, which is installed on the Sololak Hill. In one hand, Mother Georgia holds a sword for defense against the enemy, and in the other — a cup of wine for those who came in peace.

If we talk about the views of Tbilisi from above, it is worth mentioning Mtatsminda Mountain or "Holy Mountain". Its height is 740 meters. There is a park with attractions on Mtatsminda, where you can ride for $ 1.75; there are cafes and restaurants. This is one of the favorite vacation spots among Tbilisi residents and tourists.

You can climb here by funicular for $ 1.5. Buses No. 90 and 124 run from the metro stations "Freedom Square" and "Rustaveli" to Mtatsminda. At the middle station of the funicular there is the Church of St. David and the Pantheon with the graves of famous people, including A. Griboyedov and his wife Nino Chavchavadze.

One of the main attractions of the Old City is the sulfur baths (Abanotubani), because it is on the hot sulfur springs that the city of Tbilisi was founded. The range of services, amenities and prices in them are different. In the common room, you can pay $ 3 per person, and individually from $ 11 to $ 18 per hour.

One of the oldest and most beautiful is Orbelianovskaya bath. It is also the most expensive, the cost of a room here reaches $ 200 per hour of stay. The baths are open from 7:00 to 21:00. The schedule needs to be clarified and the time booked in advance. Not far from the sulfur baths, right in the center of Tbilisi, there is a beautiful waterfall, which is located on the Tsavkisistskali river.

Dry Bridge

The bridge, under which there is no water now, but earlier it connected the shore of the Kura with Madatovsky Island. Next to the bridge there is a flea market where you can buy antiques (watches, dishes, lamps, etc.), handicrafts of Georgian craftsmen (jewelry, daggers, etc.), paintings by local artists and much more.

Near the Dry Bridge there is a small city park — Deda Ena. There is a monument to the Georgian language, in honor of which the park is called — "Grandfather Ena". In the park you can ride a longboard, there is also a skate area. And on Wednesdays, day markets are held, which are very popular with local fashionistas; underground concerts are organized.

In 2016, a fashionable space called Fabrika appeared in the Chugureti district on Ignat Ninoshvili Street. This is the territory of an old garment factory. Now there is a hipster hostel, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. The place is very popular and crowded at any time of the day.On the outskirts of Tbilisi there is the longest cable car in the city. It goes from Vake Park to the northern slope of Mtatsminda Mountain to Turtle Lake and the Ethnographic Museum. From the cableways, you can view the new districts of the capital Saburtalo and Vake.

City Sightseeing and Hop On Hop Off tour buses run around Tbilisi. They are red and visible from afar. The beginning of the route is on Rustaveli Avenue, and the trip ends near the Sameba Temple. The duration of the tour is 2.5 hours, and the cost is $ 16-18. You can buy a ticket on the website or from the driver.

If you go towards Lake Lisi, on Mukhran Machavariani Street you will see an unusual building in the form of a flying saucer. It houses the Emergency Center of Tbilisi. Here you can make an interesting photo for Instagram.

Food

Fast food

The institution "Utsho" on Lado Asatiani Street, 34 is a healthy fast food. His owner's name is Lara, and she is an adherent of healthy eating. Visitors recommend to try cheese coffee or cottage cheese burger. The cost of a light snack is from 3 to 7 dollars. The restaurant is open from 09:00 to 22:00 daily.

Sachebureke Abanotubanshi used to be located near sulfur baths, but now it has moved to 36 Pekini Avenue. The menu includes chebureks with various fillings, as well as classic khachapuri in Adjarian. Cheburek with beer will cost about $ 3.

The best shawarma in Tbilisi is the Gldanskaya Shawarma fast food outlet, which is located in several places of the city: on Kerch and Vekua Streets, ; Javakheti 41a and Chabukiani, 3. Up to 10 types of shawarma are made here with various sauces, for example, chili or garlic. Visitors celebrate large portions, delicious meat filling and a beautiful cooking process. They work from 10:00 to 23:30 daily. The cost of shawarma is 2-3 dollars.

The ERTI KAVA coffee room on M. Lagidze Street, 8 was opened quite recently, in 2019. But it is already considered a place where the best coffee in Tbilisi is brewed. Coffee beans were brought from Ethiopia, and special cups that preserve the coffee flavor for a long time are from New Zealand. The coffee shop is open from 08:00 to 21:00, daily. In the morning here you will be beautifully served a delicious and healthy breakfast. Sometimes you can listen to live music.

Many who have visited Tbilisi recommend trying frozen yogurt. You can do this in the Lolly Frozen Yogurt cafe on the streets of Agmashenebeli, 38 or A. Tvalchrelidze, 2. Crunchy cookies, fruits, berries or something else can be used as fillers - everything is delicious. The cafe is open from 10:00 to 01:00.

The restaurant "Waters of Lagidze" is located on the territory of the Church of St. Trinity, opposite the bell tower. Lemonade "Lagidze Waters" is a kind of business card of Georgia. You can try it in other places, but it is believed that it is the best here. The cost of a serving of lemonade is less than a dollar, and khachapuri is about one dollar. The restaurant is open from 10:00 to 20:00.

The Goby fast food place on Ya. Nikoladze Street, 4, opened recently, but already has its fans. Georgian, Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisines are deliciously combined here. The place is popular with fans of falafel and hummus. You can have a hearty meal for just $5. They are waiting for you here from 12:00 to 21:00.

Cafes and restaurants

National cuisine

The local intelligentsia chooses "Cafe Gabriadze". The cafe is located in the building of the R. Gabriadze Puppet Theater, house No. 13 of the pedestrian street Shavteli. The idea of the cafe design belongs to the director and screenwriter Rezo Gabriadze. Here you should definitely try oyster mushrooms, white wine and local donuts. The cafe is open from 11:00 to 23:00.

Another favorite place of Tbilisi bohemians is "Shavi Lomi" or "Black Lion". This is a real apartment on Zurab Kvlividze Street, 30. Old wallpaper, fireplace, antique armchairs and lampshades, Georgian carpets — all this creates a national flavor. Tables are placed in the living room and in the shady courtyard. The menu includes Georgian dishes with author's additives from the chef. Lunch for two with wine costs about $ 20. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 02:00.

Next to Freedom Square, on Lermontov Street, 6, there is the Racha cellar, known to all Tbilisi residents. The recent renovation has refreshed the situation, but the former interior is preserved. It is believed that here are the most delicious khinkali in the capital and are quite inexpensive.

Restaurant “Keto & Kote” on Zandukeli Street, 3, in the area of Prospect Sh.Rustaveli is also very popular with locals. This is a kind of secret veranda, from where it is pleasant to admire the views of the city. You need to book a table in advance, otherwise you risk being left without dinner. They serve amazing khachapuri, khinkali, dolma, phali and corn tortillas, homemade Georgian wine and delicious coffee. The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 01:00.

Family restaurant “EZO" (“Yard”) on Gerontia Kikojo Street, 16, offers visitors Georgian dishes according to author's recipes and European serving. There is a traditional hall under the roof, a veranda and a shady courtyard where it is nice to sit in the summer heat with a glass of cold wine. The products are always fresh, their owners buy from farmers or grow them themselves. The restaurant is open from 13:00 until late in the evening.

The territory of the old winery is quickly becoming popular among the citizens and guests of Tbilisi. There are several restaurants here. One of them is “Veriko”, which is located on Vasily Petriashvili Street, 1. Visitors say that it has the best cuisine in Tbilisi, recommend trying a salad with chicken and berries. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 00:00. Nearby there is a bar “Kikodze”, where wonderful cheesecakes are prepared in the morning, and in the evening you will be offered a variety of cocktails.

Among the restaurants of national cuisine, many visitors highlight “Ketsi”, located on Lortkipanidze Street, 9. The hospitable host David tries to make all the guests pleasant, tells about local customs. Dishes are prepared here in a traditional wood-burning oven, and they are served in pottery. It is recommended to try kubdari, chkmeruli, Kakheti kebab, satsivi and homemade wine. The cost of lunch is about $ 10. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 22:00.

"Culinarium Khasheria” on Abano Street, 23, is famous for real Georgian soups: chicken, tripe soup, khashi and others. Chef Tekuna Gechiladze cooks traditional dishes in his own way and does not give out secrets. It serves homemade wine, lemonade, coffee and juice, as well as delicious desserts: panna cotta, yogurt, etc. Guests note the pleasant atmosphere, excellent service and attractive prices. The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 01:00, on Saturdays — until 03:00.

The restaurant "Zahar Zaharich”, located on the Right Bank Street, 3, is losing ground somewhat, although it is included in the guides to Tbilisi. But, nevertheless, you can have a good lunch here, for example, try mountain khinkali from thick dough or chakhokhbili.

European and international cuisine

The restaurant complex “Funicular Complex” on Mtatsminda is one of the most tourist places. The food is delicious here, the menu is varied and, in addition, wonderful views of Tbilisi. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 00:00.

Opposite Rooms Hotel Tbilisi on Tamara Chovelidze Street, 7, there is a restaurant “Lolita”, created by the owners of the hotel. It has a stylish interior and the local public always gathers. You can come here with your MacBook. In the evening, visitors to the bar, on the second floor, are offered a cocktail menu with a large selection of drinks. The menu offers simple but delicious dishes: pasta, pizza, burgers, etc. The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 01:00.

Not bad, according to the reviews of visitors, breakfasts and lunches are offered in the “Hurma café”, which is located on P.Melikishvili Street, 21. Vegetarian dishes are also on the menu. The average bill will be $6-7. Visitors note the cozy atmosphere and polite staff. It is recommended to try waffles here, a portion of which costs $ 3.5. The cafe is open from 09:00 to 23:00.

The restaurant “Mukhatsakatukha" on the street of G. Akhvlediani, 15, is located in the so-called bar triangle of the Georgian capital. The menu offers international cuisine: from various soups to pizza; bread is also baked here. Visitors recommend coffee with delicious desserts and green tea. The dishes here are not very cheap, but there is a pleasant atmosphere. A portion of soup will cost about $ 5, a kettle of tea costs $ 3. You can come here for breakfast or lunch. During the day, it is convenient to take a break between walks around the city and plan the next route.

Dishes for every taste will be offered at the cafe “Sofia Melnikova's Fantastic Douqan” on Chanturia Street, 8. From Thai soup to Georgian khinkali. Everything is very tasty, sometimes I even want to ask the cook for a recipe.

Shopping

Most often, wine and clothes of local designers are bought in Tbilisi. Although there are also delicious sweets, and beautiful minankari decorations, dishes, spices and much more.

The best wine shops are located in the Old Town. Here are some of them:

• Vino Underground, 15 Tabidze str.;
• Wine Gallery, Tsinamdzgvrishvili 39;
• Vinotheca, 31 Leselidze Street;
• Vineria, 2 Baratashvili Street.

Among the major shopping centers, the Tbilisi Mall stands out (Agmashenebeli Alley, 16), clothes of classic brands are presented here.

The East Point shopping district (Tvalchrelidze, 2) has united Turkish and European shops. There are Bershka, New Yorker, Zara, LC Waikiki, Koton and others. You can take a break and have a snack in small cafes.

Designer items are presented in stores:

• Avtandil (Slant, 29; Slant, 29);
• Aka Nanitashvili Fashion Studio / Fashion house Aka Nanita (). Палиашвили, 43);
• Fashion House Teona Elizbarashvili (lit. Зандукели, 22);
• Tatuna Nikolaishvili (, 6).

A good design store Chaos Concept Store is located on M. Kostava Street, 14, in the same building as Rooms Hotel Tbilisi. There is a large selection of clothes — from T-shirts, sweatpants with stripes to high fashion products. Models of beginners and already well-known designers are presented. Sometimes there are cocktail parties and sales on Sundays.

On weekends, you can buy various designer items, jewelry, beautiful notebooks, etc. on Shota Rustaveli Avenue. The meeting place is the Galleria shopping center.

Tips and additional information

If you are going to come to Tbilisi in the summer, look for air-conditioned accommodation options. Take a sunscreen with you so as not to get burned while walking around the city.

In Tbilisi in summer you can visit the Tbilisi Sea Club or the Tbilisi Sea Club on N. Khudadovi Street.

There is no real sea in Tbilisi, but there is a large lake that locals call the Tbilisi Sea. You can get here by taxi, minibus or bus No. 28, 53.

The lake has a beach, three swimming pools, playgrounds for children, sun loungers and water activities. An entrance ticket for the whole day costs $ 7, but you can purchase a 5-day subscription for $ 27 or a month for $ 144.

Gino Paradise Water Park on the Tbilisi Sea. It offers pools of different depths, with hydro massage and artificial waves, slides and other entertainment. The cost is $11 on a weekday and $14 on weekends. The water park is located outside the city at the address: Beshenova, 9. You can get there by bus No. 60 or by taxi.

In restaurants, it is often written on the menu that a portion of khinkali is 10 pieces. But such a large portion is not always needed. Therefore, you can try to arrange with the waiter to bring you half a portion. In small establishments in Tbilisi and outside the city, plastic cards are not always accepted for payment, therefore it is necessary to have cash with you.

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