Where is Tbilisi, and what country is it in?
The capital of Georgia on the Kura river.
Short answer
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and the country's largest city, home to more than a million people. It lies on the Kura river, the Mtkvari in Georgian, in the eastern part of Georgia in the South Caucasus. Tbilisi International Airport is about 17 kilometres from the centre.
Why
- According to legend, the city was founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century.
- The name comes from the Georgian word tbili, warm, because of its sulfur springs.
- Tbilisi is home to the government and most of the country's central institutions.
Details
Georgia's parliament sat in Kutaisi from 2012 to 2019 before returning to Tbilisi. The Armenian and Azerbaijani borders are about an hour from Tbilisi, and the Russian border at Upper Lars about 3-4 hours.
Tip
For a first visit, stay in the Old Town, Sololaki or Vera, where much is within walking distance.
What may differ
Common misconception
What actually happens
People also ask
- Where is Tbilisi located?
Sources
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
Tbilisi the Capital of Georgia: What to See in 1 Day and City GuideRelated questions
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What to see in Georgia and Tbilisi in winter?
In winter, people head to the ski resorts of Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia and Goderdzi, where the season runs from December to March.
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What can you see on the way from Tbilisi to Batumi?
Driving from Tbilisi to Batumi, stop at Gori and the cave town of Uplistsikhe, at Surami for local pastries, then at Kutaisi for Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery.
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Georgia or Turkey: which is better for a holiday?
Turkey is usually chosen for all-inclusive beach holidays, with more sandy beaches and package hotels.
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What is there to see and do in Racha?
Racha is a mountain region in northwest Georgia, north of Kutaisi, centred on the town of Ambrolauri.