Tbilisi is Awesome: Top ways to Enjoy a Trip to the Georgia Capital

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is one of those places where the old meets the new in the most spectacular way possible. Picture cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses with wooden balconies, modern glass architecture that screams “future,” and centuries-old fortresses looming over it all. Add a dash of street art, some world-class wine, and friendly locals, and you’ve got yourself one unforgettable day.

But wait, we’re not stopping at just Tbilisi. There’s a number of day trips you can do from Tbilisi as well. You can go to Armenia. You can do a mountain adventure. Or you can go to Kazbegi. However, we’re diving into the ultimate wine lover’s paradise: Kakheti, Georgia’s wine region and other amazing day trips. Buckle up—this is going to be a ride!

Exploring Tbilisi – A City Where Time Travels Back and Forth

Arriving in Tblisi is something else. When I got to customs, the border agent stamped my passport and handed me a bottle of wine with a message. It basically said, ‘Welcome to Georgia. We hope you enjoy your stay and our two biggest exports, wine and hospitality’. I mean, that’s a special way to welcome a guest in your country.

From there, I arranged a transport to the ROOMS Hotel. This is one of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed in. It’s a chic, boutique looking 4-star hotel. And since Tblisi is so cheap, cost less than $100 a night! Love it! From there, it was off to explore. This city is alive—buzzing with energy, yet maintaining an old-world charm that pulls you in. Here’s how I recommend spending your day soaking in the best Tbilisi has to offer.

Breakfast in Tbilisi

There are a number of places to get breakfast in Tblisi. Start your morning with going to Fabrika, an old Soviet sewing factory turned into a hipster haven. This multi-functional space houses a café, art galleries, shops, and even a hostel. Grab a cup of coffee and a traditional Georgian pastry, like a lobiani (bean-filled bread), and soak in the creative vibe while people-watching. The atmosphere is a mix of retro nostalgia and modern cool—perfect to ease into your Tbilisi adventure.

Cable Car Ride to Narikala Fortress

After fueling up, head towards the Rike Park to catch the cable car up to Narikala Fortress. For just a couple of lari (Georgia’s currency), you’ll get a panoramic view of the city. The ride is quick, but the views are spectacular—Tbilisi sprawls out below you like a living, breathing postcard. Once you reach the top, the ancient fortress walls greet you, remnants of a time when this city was a hub of trade and culture on the Silk Road.

Climb up the fortress, but take it easy because the paths can be steep and uneven. Once you reach the highest point, Tbilisi is at your feet—the Mtkvari River snaking through the city, and the contrast of old and new buildings dazzling your eyes. Snap some pictures, but don’t forget to just stop and take it all in.

Wander Through Old Town (Altstadt) Tbilisi

From Narikala, it’s an easy walk down into Tbilisi’s Old Town. This is where the heart and soul of the city beats. Narrow, winding streets lead you through pastel-colored houses with wooden balconies, all seemingly frozen in time. Here’s what not to miss:

Abanotubani: The sulfur baths district. These domed, brick buildings might not look like much from the outside, but inside they’re full of natural hot springs. If you have time, book a private room for a traditional sulfur bath and a scrub—a centuries-old tradition!
Leghvtakhevi Waterfall: Just a short stroll from the baths, this hidden waterfall is a peaceful escape from the city hustle. It’s tucked away in a small canyon, offering a surprising pocket of nature right in the middle of the city.
Sioni Cathedral: Dating back to the 6th century, this historic church is one of the oldest in Tbilisi. Its stone walls hold centuries of history, and inside, you’ll find some beautiful religious icons.

Lunch: Feast on Khachapuri and Khinkali

For lunch, you’re in for a real Georgian feast. Head to Machakhela, a well-known restaurant with views of the river. Order a khachapuri, Georgia’s famous cheese-filled bread that’s like pizza’s heartier, cheesier cousin. Don’t forget the khinkali, Georgian dumplings stuffed with spiced meat. Pro tip: Eat these the traditional way—by hand! Hold the top, take a small bite, sip the broth, and then go for the meat.

A Walk on the Peace Bridge

After lunch, walk off the feast by crossing the Peace Bridge, a striking modern structure made of glass and steel that spans the Mtkvari River. This is bridge is unique. Chances are, you will not see another bridge like this in the entire world. You will know it when you see it. It connects the Old Town with the newer parts of the city, symbolizing the blending of Georgia’s ancient past and its forward-looking future.

At night, this bridge lights up and creates a stunning display, but even during the day, the contrast of the sleek, contemporary design against the backdrop of the old city is impressive.

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

Now, time to head to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Its golden dome dominates the city skyline, and the sheer scale of this cathedral is awe-inspiring. Whether you’re religious or not, the spiritual and architectural significance of this place will leave you feeling pretty small (in a good way).

Dinner in Style

End your day with a fancy but relaxed dinner at Lolita. This trendy spot with great cocktails and an eclectic menu. This place was right across the street from my hotel, plus I had a friend recommend it before visiting. As mentioned, Tblisi is VERY inexpensive. Glancing at the menu it was $5 equivalent for “large” wine and $3.50 for “small”. I ordered a large given the price. The server gave me a weird look, and I’ll never forget this, said, “Sir, large is a liter”. I went with a small, which was .6 liters. That’s still a heavy pour! All in all, my very nice meal and wine cost $12. The same meal from the same type of restaurant in the United States or Western Europe would’ve run well over $50. This was great, and an absolute steal. Also, if you can sit on the outdoor patio, I highly recommend it.

Georgia’s: Wine, Wine, and More Wine in Kakheti

Georgia’s Kakheti region is the heart of wine country, and just a couple of hours from Tbilisi, it’s an easy day trip for those who want to experience the birthplace of wine. Yes, you read that right—Georgia is where wine was born, more than 8,000 years ago. And trust me, these people know their wine.

Start with a Scenic Drive

The road to Kakheti is beautiful, winding through rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. If you can, hire a driver or join a tour because, let’s be real—you’re going to want to indulge in all the wine.

The first stop is Sighnaghi, a small town perched on a hill overlooking the Alazani Valley. Known as the “City of Love,” this charming place has cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and sweeping views of the Caucasus Mountains. Sighnaghi is also home to several wineries where you can start your wine-tasting adventure.

When Sean was on a trip to Kakheti, he ended up going to the Cradle of Wine in Sighnaghi. This place definitely has a charm to it and the hospitality is top notch. The pours are heavy and provides gorgeous views of the mountains.

Wine Tasting at Pheasant’s Tears

One of the best wineries in Sighnaghi is Pheasant’s Tears, a small producer famous for its natural wines made using ancient Georgian techniques. Georgian wine is often fermented in qvevris—large clay pots buried underground—which gives it a unique flavor. The winemaker here is passionate about preserving traditional methods, and the tasting room is cozy and rustic. You’ll sip on amber wines (Georgian orange wines) and learn all about the qvevri process.

Pair your wine with some local cheese and bread, and take in the views. If you’re lucky, you might even meet the winemaker himself, who’s more than happy to share stories and a few more glasses.

Visit the Alaverdi Monastery

Next, drive further into the Kakheti region to visit the Alaverdi Monastery, one of the oldest wine-producing monasteries in Georgia, dating back to the 6th century. The monks here still make wine using traditional qvevri methods. The grounds of the monastery are peaceful and picturesque, offering a serene break from the indulgence of wine tasting.

More Wine at Kindzmarauli Winery

No trip to Kakheti would be complete without a visit to Kindzmarauli Winery, one of the most famous wine producers in Georgia. This winery specializes in semi-sweet wines, and you’ll definitely want to take a bottle (or two) home with you. Their tasting tours are comprehensive, guiding you through the wine-making process and letting you taste some of their best vintages.

Final Wine Induced Thoughts

As the day winds down, there’s no better way to finish than by watching the sunset over the vineyards. Many wineries offer this as part of their tour—complete with a glass of their finest wine in hand. The light fades over the rolling hills, turning the landscape golden. It’s the kind of moment that makes you fall in love with Georgia all over again. There are a number of other interesting day trips from Tbilisi that are worth your time, so look into what you fancy.

Recommended Tbilisi Hotels

If you’re worried about places to stay in the Georgia, don’t be. There’s a number of great options, from luxurious hotels to boutiques. Plus, with Tbilisi being so inexpensive, it opens up a number of more options you may not have otherwise considered. Obviously, we already mentioned ROOMS. It’s great, but here are some others to consider.

Stamba Hotel

Owned by the same company as ROOMS, Stamba Hotel is a luxurious, quirky, and artistic boutique hotel located in the heart of Tbilisi. Originally a Soviet-era publishing house, it’s been reimagined into a trendy, design-forward space with large, industrial-chic rooms and a laid-back vibe. The atrium library, glass-bottom rooftop pool, and in-house chocolate factory make it unique. Some of the cool features include an open atrium, rooftop pool, and excellent service.

The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi

One of Tbilisi’s most iconic hotels, Biltmore is part of an international chain known for luxurious stays. The hotel is located in a glass high-rise tower, offering incredible views of the city and the Mtkvari River. It’s the go-to for travelers looking for comfort, elegance, and modern amenities. Biltmore has amazing city views, spacious rooms, a large indoor pool, and delicious restaurants.

Fabrika

A more budget-friendly yet trendy option, Fabrika is a former Soviet sewing factory converted into a multi-functional space that includes a hostel, bar, and creative co-working hub. The vibe is laid-back, youthful, and perfect for budget travelers who want to experience Tbilisi’s creative side.

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

This is a stunning 5-star hotel housed in a 100-year-old building on Rustaveli Avenue. The Tbilisi Marriott is known for its grandiose interior and impeccable service. It’s perfect for those who enjoy staying in a historic setting but still want modern luxury. Also, very centrally located for getting around the city.

Recommended Tbilisi Restaurants

Shavi Lomi (Black Lion)

This is a modern Georgian restaurant that elevates traditional Georgian dishes with a creative, contemporary twist. Located in Old Town, the restaurant’s relaxed, artsy vibe, beautiful garden setting, and bold flavors make it a favorite for both locals and tourists.

Keto and Kote

Set in a historic house with a charming garden, Keto and Kote offers traditional Georgian dishes with a sophisticated touch. The atmosphere is tranquil, perfect for a leisurely meal in a beautiful setting, and the food highlights the best of local ingredients.