Short but sweet: Tbilisi is a city with a soul, where every corner tells a story. Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Kura River, the Georgian capital impresses with its unique blend of ancient culture, modern architecture, and warm hospitality. In just one day, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage, savor the tempting local cuisine, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of its cobblestone streets.
How I Decided to Go in 🇬🇪
When I was planning my trip to Yerevan, I found out that day tours to the Georgian capital were organized. I found a day trip where a driver would come to pick us up from the hotel, take us to Tbilisi, and we would explore the city on our own before being driven back. I shared my idea with my father, sister, and Tsveti, and they agreed.
The distance from Yerevan to Tbilisi is about 280 km, taking around 4.5 hours, including crossing the border. We had to leave early in the morning so we could arrive by noon, giving us some time to explore before heading back. It sounds quite tiring, and some might say, “It’s not worth the long drive for just a few hours!” That’s true, but for me, it was an opportunity, and I’m glad we went on this crazy trip.
I had the chance to visit Tbilisi, even though the time was far too short, and I would definitely return here again!😊
Do You Need a Visa 📋
No, you won’t need a visa. However, entry and exit from the country for Bulgarian citizens require a valid international passport. For citizens of other countries, it is recommended to check with their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to see if a visa is required for travel to Georgia.
Language and Communication 🔠
Georgia is a small but incredibly diverse country, including in terms of languages.
The Georgian language (ქართული, “kartuli”) is the official and most widely spoken language in the country. It has a unique alphabet and is unlike any other language in the world.
Russian is still widely spoken, especially among the older generation, due to historical ties with the Soviet Union. In major cities and tourist areas, you can easily communicate in English.
Learn a few basic words in Georgian – the locals will appreciate the effort! For example:
- “Gamarjoba” (გამარჯობა) – Hello.
- “Madloba” (მადლობა) – Thank you.
Communication isn’t difficult, even if you don’t speak Georgian – the locals are incredibly friendly and always ready to help!
Safety 🆘
Tbilisi is considered one of the safest cities in the region, with low levels of serious crime. However, like any tourist destination, it’s important to stay cautious. In crowded places such as markets, public transport, or tourist attractions, be aware of pickpockets.
Cost of Living 💰
Tbilisi offers an affordable standard of living compared to most European capitals, making it an ideal destination for tourists with various budgets. Meals at local restaurants are very reasonably priced. Traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri and khinkali can be enjoyed for about 5-10 lari per serving.
The public transport is cheap and efficient, with a metro or bus ticket costing 1 lari. Taxi services through apps like Bolt are also affordable. Local markets and shops offer fresh and inexpensive products, souvenirs, and all kinds of interesting items to treat yourself or your loved ones.
Currency and Payment Methods 💵
The official currency in Georgia is the Georgian lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. It’s best to exchange lari in Bulgaria, as the exchange rates in local exchange offices are not very favorable. Credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and public transport. However, it’s a good idea to have cash for smaller shops and markets. Services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular and can be used in many places.
Tbilisi has plenty of ATMs that accept international cards and allow you to withdraw in the local currency. My advice is to carry small bills for minor purchases, taxis, and markets, where card payments might not always be available.
Public Transport 🚊
Tbilisi has a well-organized and accessible public transport system, including metro, buses, minibuses, and cable cars.
Efficient and convenient, the Tbilisi metro has two lines that cover a large part of the city. A ticket costs 1 lari, and the great thing is that you can pay directly with a debit or credit card at the turnstile before entering the metro station.
We had to use the metro for one stop because a heavy rainstorm started, and we needed to reach the place where our driver was waiting. I can say that the metro is quite comfortable, clean, and fast.
Modern, air-conditioned buses cover the main routes in the city. Schedules are available online and at bus stops.
Small private buses are faster but do not have fixed stops. They only accept cash and are convenient for reaching areas outside the main transport lines.
These are easily accessible, but it’s best to use apps like Bolt or Yandex for fixed prices and greater security.
One of the most interesting transportation experiences in Tbilisi. The cable car to the Narikala Fortress offers an incredible view of the city.
Where to Eat 🍗
Tbilisi is a gastronomic paradise, offering a unique blend of traditional Georgian cuisine and modern restaurant trends. Given our limited time, we didn’t have much choice in searching for restaurants, and right at that moment, it started to rain. By chance, we decided to try Alcoholic wine bar and restaurant – a very good and pleasant spot located on a picturesque street in the Old Town. The interior is very cozy, the staff is extremely friendly, the prices are quite reasonable, and the food – divine!
We tried the iconic khachapuri (flatbread with cheese), khinkali (spicy dumplings), and lobio (beans with spices), which are the heart of Georgian cuisine. I wanted to try the traditional Georgian wine as well, but since we had a journey ahead of us, I didn’t want to take any risks and decided to save it for next time 😊
What to See in Tbilisi 🗺
Now that we have the basic information, it’s time to take a little stroll around the sights of Tbilisi! I’ll share just a small part of the interesting places and attractions of the Georgian capital, because, as I mentioned earlier, we only had about 5 hours here. Despite the limited time, I believe this was a great start for a trip to Tbilisi, which sparked my desire to return again!
Unfortunately, it started to rain, which prevented us from reaching the largest landmark – the Holy Trinity Cathedral, but as I said, I’ll definitely be coming back here!
So, our driver dropped us off at the parking lot near Metekhi Fortress and the Nativity of the Virgin Church. From here, our walk in the city began, where ancient history meets modern spirit, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates every visitor.
Narikala Fortress
Narikala Fortress is one of the most iconic landmarks of Tbilisi, majestically perched on a hill overlooking the Old Town and the Kura River. Built in the 4th century, it has been an important defensive stronghold over the centuries, having been under Arab, Persian, and Georgian rule.
Today, Narikala is a place that combines history and breathtaking views. You can reach the fortress on foot, enjoying the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, or take the cable car, which offers a panoramic view of Tbilisi. We took the cable car to save time. The round-trip ticket costs 5 lari. Be careful while queuing for the cable car, as various street vendors and a few suspicious people were roaming around.
Mother Georgia
Right here, on the hill of Narikala Fortress, stands the Mother Georgia statue (Kartlis Deda), proudly towering over Tbilisi. It symbolizes the spirit and character of the Georgian people. Made of aluminum and standing 20 meters tall, the statue depicts a woman holding a cup of wine in one hand to greet guests, and a sword in the other to protect from enemies.
Built in 1958 to mark the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi, this iconic figure not only guards the city but also tells the story of Georgian hospitality and determination.
The Bridge of Peace and Rike Park
The Bridge of Peace is one of the most remarkable modern structures in Tbilisi. This elegant pedestrian bridge made of glass and steel, designed by the Italian architect Michele de Lucchi, connects the Old Town with the modern Rike Park. Its wave-like design and glowing LED installation, which displays messages of peace and life, are a true architectural marvel.
Rike Park is the perfect place for a stroll and relaxation. In addition to a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens, the park offers entertainment for children and the opportunity to take the cable car to Narikala Fortress.
The Old Town of Tbilisi
The Old Town of Tbilisi is a place where time seems to have stopped in order to preserve the spirit of the centuries. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses with wooden balconies, and authentic corners, it is a true treasure for history and culture lovers. Here, every building tells a story – from the sulfur baths in Abanotubani, which have been a center for relaxation and social life for centuries, to the ancient Sioni Church, a guardian of Georgian faith and traditions.
As you walk through the Old Town, you’ll discover a blend of architectural styles reflecting the multicultural heritage of Tbilisi. Traditional Georgian houses with beautiful wood carvings coexist with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim temples, symbolizing the peaceful coexistence of different religions throughout the centuries.
Sioni Church
Sioni Church is one of the most significant historical and religious sites in Tbilisi. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it impresses with its simple architecture and profound spiritual significance. Built in the 6th-7th centuries and renovated in various periods, Sioni is named after the biblical Mount Zion, a symbol of the Christian faith.
Inside the church is kept one of Georgia’s most valuable relics – the Cross of St. Nino, which, according to legend, was made from vine branches and the saint’s hair. This makes it an important pilgrimage site and a place filled with reverence.
Metekhi Fortress
The Metekhi Fortress is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tbilisi, combining history, architecture, and inspiring views. Situated on a rocky hill overlooking the Kura River, the fortress served both as a strategic defense and an important spiritual center. According to legends, Queen Tamar held her meetings here.
At the heart of the fortress stands the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, which impresses with its simple architecture and spiritual significance. From this spot, there is an incredible view of the Old Town, the river, and the modern districts of Tbilisi.
Tbilisi is a place that is not just visited – it’s experienced. From the cobbled streets of the Old Town to the coziness of local restaurants and the scent of freshly baked khachapuri, this city brings a sense of warmth and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. In one day, we managed to catch only a glimpse of its magic – a glimpse that promises there is much more hidden here than can be revealed in such a short time.
As we got into the car to head back to Yerevan, the rain kept pouring down, and the shadows of the night crept over the hills, while the lights of Tbilisi began to shine. I told myself that this wouldn’t be a farewell to Tbilisi. One day, I’ll come back here – to continue this adventure, to discover new stories, and to feel the pulse of this amazing city once again.
