Tbilisi is not just the capital of Georgia - it is a city you cannot forget. The sulfur baths in the Legvtakhevi gorge, the wooden balconies of the Old Town, Narikala fortress above the Mtkvari River, the smell of fresh khachapuri in the morning - all of this comes together to create one of the most vivid and atmospheric cities in the Caucasus.
Three days is the ideal amount of time to see the highlights without getting lost in the details. This itinerary is designed so that you walk where it makes sense and do not waste time on unnecessary transfers. Each day covers a separate neighborhood, with its own atmosphere and its own history.
What you will find in this article:
A ready-made day-by-day route with addresses and a suggested order of sights
- Practical tips: transport, money, SIM card, booking
Where to eat near each point on the route
- What to book in advance
- Answers to the most common tourist questions
Day 1: Tbilisi Old Town and the Sulfur Baths
Morning: Starting at the Heart of the City
The first day is spent entirely in the Old Town. This is the historic center of Tbilisi, which took shape over more than 15 centuries and has kept its character to this day: narrow streets, overhanging wooden balconies, courtyard wells, mosques and Orthodox churches standing a hundred meters apart.
Start the route at Meidan Square (also known as Gorgasali Square) - the natural focal point of the entire neighborhood. The main pedestrian streets branch out from here, making it a convenient place to get your bearings.
From Meidan, walk along Botanical Street toward the Legvtakhevi gorge and you will reach the sulfur bath district. The neighborhood is called Abanotubani (meaning "bath quarter" in Georgian) and has existed here since the 5th century.
The Tbilisi sulfur baths are a must on any itinerary. Look for the domes with round openings - those are the rooftops of the bathhouses visible above ground. The most famous is the Orbeliani (Colorful) Bath, decorated with Persian ornament, at 2 Abanotubani Street.
Bathing in the sulfur baths is not a tourist attraction but a living tradition. The water flows from natural springs at a temperature of 37-40 degrees Celsius. Reserve a private room for 1 to 1.5 hours: costs range from 30 to 80 GEL depending on the day and the bathhouse.
What to book in advance: private rooms at the Orbeliani and Husainbey baths. On weekends and public holidays they are fully occupied - book at least a day ahead by phone or Telegram.
Midday: Narikala and a View Over All of Tbilisi
Climbing from the baths along the path or by cable car from the station by the river (2 GEL, the route is about 500 meters long), you will arrive at Narikala fortress - the main viewpoint in Tbilisi.
Narikala fortress dates back to the 4th century. Its walls have been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Inside you will find the ruins of St. Nicholas Church (partially restored) and open terraces with a panorama of the city. Admission is free and the climb takes 15-20 minutes.
From the highest point of Narikala you can see all of Tbilisi: the Mtkvari below, the Bridge of Peace, Metekhi, Avlabari on the opposite bank, and in the distance - Mount Mtatsminda with its TV tower. Allow at least 30-40 minutes here.
Address: Narikala Fortress, Samtskhe Street - reference point: the cable car from the Mtkvari embankment.
Lunch Near the Route
Head back down to Meidan and have lunch on Sharden Street - the gastronomic street of the Old Town, offering everything from classic Georgian cuisine to European cafes.
Recommendations:
- Machakhela (6 Sharden Street) - khinkali and mtsvadi, a lively atmosphere, queues during peak hours
- Culinarium Khasheria (5 Pushkin Street) - for those who want to try khash and traditional dishes in a contemporary interior
Evening: Rustaveli Avenue and Metekhi
After lunch, walk to Rustaveli Avenue - the main thoroughfare of central Tbilisi. Here you will find the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, the National Museum of Georgia (3 Rustaveli Avenue, admission 15 GEL), and several beautiful pre-revolutionary buildings.
End the day at Metekhi Church, which stands on a cliff above the river and is visible from many points around the city. Next to it is an equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali. The sunset from here is especially beautiful.
Day 2: Avlabari, the Bridge of Peace, and Dezerter Bazaar
Morning: Avlabari and the Armenian Quarter
Avlabari is a historic neighborhood on the right bank of the Mtkvari. It is often bypassed by visitors, which is a real shame: it is quiet, authentic, and far less crowded with tourists.
Start at Tsminda Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity Cathedral) - the main cathedral of Georgia, built in 2004. It stands 84 meters tall and admission is free. The panorama from the surrounding grounds is one of the best in the city.
Address: Pirisashvili Avenue, Avlabari.
From the cathedral, a 15-minute walk downhill brings you to the Armenian church of Surb Gevorg and the old Avlabari courtyards. This is a different Tbilisi - slow-paced, courtyard-oriented, with laundry on lines and the smell of coffee drifting from open windows.
Midday: The Bridge of Peace and Agmashenebeli Avenue
The Bridge of Peace is a pedestrian bridge with a glass canopy spanning the Mtkvari, connecting Avlabari and the Old Town. It was designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. At night the bridge is illuminated - come back here after sunset.
Crossing the bridge, you arrive at Rike Park - a flat riverside promenade with an open-air amphitheater and children's playgrounds. A good spot for a short rest.
Further on is Agmashenebeli Avenue in the Chugureti neighborhood: the city's second historic boulevard, lined with Art Nouveau buildings from the early 20th century. Less touristy and more alive than the center.
Lunch: Cafe Littera (1 Makashvili Street) - a restaurant inside the Writers' Union mansion, with one of the finest courtyard gardens in central Tbilisi. Reserve a table in advance.
Afternoon: Dezerter Bazaar
Dezerter Bazaar (1 Besiki Street, Sololaki/Chugureti neighborhood) is the largest food market in Tbilisi. It has everything: spices, churchkhela, cheeses, herbs, fresh fish, and homemade wine in plastic bottles.
The market is open from early morning until 16:00. For a visitor this is not just shopping - it is a living picture of city life. Come without hurrying and take spices for a taste; vendors are generous with samples.
The best souvenir from the market is a blend of Georgian spices - utskho-suneli and adjika in a jar. It costs 3-5 GEL, is light to carry, and keeps for a long time.
Evening: Wine and Views
Spend the evening of the second day on Kala Street in the Old Town. This is a small wine street lined with bars pouring natural Georgian wines. Try Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, or Mtsvane at any of the places with an open terrace.
Day 3: Mtatsminda, the Botanical Garden, and a Farewell Walk
Morning: The Funicular and Mtatsminda Park
Mount Mtatsminda is the third essential stop on any Tbilisi itinerary. The funicular (station at 1 Chonkadze Street; fare approximately 3 GEL one way) takes about 10 minutes to reach the top. At the summit there is a viewing platform, an amusement park, and a restaurant.
The view from Mtatsminda takes in the entire city: from here you can see how Tbilisi stretches along the river and climbs up the hills. The best time to come is in the morning (less haze) or in the evening (city lights).
On the way down by funicular there is an intermediate stop at the Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures of Georgia, where Alexander Griboyedov is buried.
Midday: The Botanical Garden
Tbilisi Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the region, founded in the 17th century. It is located right behind the Old Town, in the gorge below Narikala fortress, and covers 128 hectares.
Main highlights inside:
- A waterfall in the far section of the garden (about 20 minutes on foot from the main entrance)
- A Japanese garden
- A greenhouse with subtropical plants
Address: 1 Botanical Street. Admission: approximately 5 GEL for adults. Opening hours: 9:00-19:00.
Lunch nearby: the cafe at the lower entrance to the garden, or walk back to the Old Town - Sharden Street is 10 minutes away on foot.
Afternoon: Nakhalovka and Street Art
Nakhalovka (official name: Betlemi) is a neighborhood to the west of the Old Town, running up the hillside. It has a surprising amount of street art, bohemian cafes, and restored houses with beautiful views over the city.
Betlemi Street is the main pedestrian axis of this neighborhood. Climb up from Leselidze Street, look around as you go, and step into the courtyards.
Evening: A Farewell Dinner in Marjanishvili
The Marjanishvili neighborhood (15 minutes from the Old Town by taxi or metro) is young, non-touristy, and has good restaurants with prices lower than in the center.
Recommendations for the last evening:
- Barbarestan (132 David Agmashenebeli Avenue) - Georgian cuisine based on recipes from a 19th-century cookbook, one of the best places in the city. Book 2-3 days ahead.
- Shavi Lomi (19 Marjanishvili Street) - a more casual format, excellent khinkali and natural wine.
Practical Information
Getting Around Tbilisi
- Taxi: Bolt and Yandex Go both work reliably. A ride within the center costs 5-10 GEL. Do not get into cars without a meter.
- Metro: 2 lines covering the main points of interest. A travel card costs 2 GEL; a single trip costs 1 GEL.
- On foot: the Old Town, Avlabari, and Mtatsminda are all best explored on foot. The center is compact.
- Cable car (Narikala): 2 GEL, operates from 11:00 to 23:00.
Money and Payments
The currency is the Georgian lari (GEL). Exchange rate as of May 2026: approximately 2.6-2.7 GEL per 1 USD. Cards are accepted everywhere in the center, but at markets and small cafes it is better to have cash. ATMs are available at every major bank (TBC, Bank of Georgia) with minimal fees.
Mobile Internet
Buy a SIM card at the airport immediately after exiting the arrivals area. Operators: Magti, Silknet, Cellfie. A package for 10-14 days with mobile data costs 15-25 GEL. Coverage throughout the center is excellent.
What to Book in Advance
| Venue | When to Book |
|---|---|
| Sulfur baths (private room) | 1-2 days ahead |
| Barbarestan restaurant | 2-3 days ahead |
| Littera restaurant | 1 day ahead |
| Opera or theatre tickets | 3-7 days ahead |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you need in Tbilisi? Three days is the minimum for a meaningful visit. In 5-7 days you can also cover the surroundings: Mtskheta, the Georgian Military Highway, and Sighnaghi.
Is it safe to walk around the Old Town in the evening? Yes. Central Tbilisi is safe at any time of day. The usual precautions apply - keep an eye on your bag at the market and in crowds.
Do people in Tbilisi speak Russian? Most people over 35 understand Russian. Younger locals prefer English. In tourist areas there is virtually no language barrier.
What is the best time to visit Tbilisi? April-May and September-October are ideal. Summers are hot (35-38 degrees Celsius in July and August); winters are cool but uncrowded and atmospheric.
Do I need a visa to enter Georgia? Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, EU countries, and most CIS countries can enter without a visa for up to one year. Check the current list on the website of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Three days in Tbilisi will pass quickly. But the city is built in such a way that every next corner reveals something that was not on the itinerary: a courtyard with a grapevine, a cafe in a basement, an old man playing a panduri on the steps. Plan your day - and leave room for the unexpected.
