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Famous Landmarks in Tbilisi

Iconic Landmarks

Explore the ancient Narikala Fortress, looking out over the city since the 4th century. Stand prior to the towering Mother of Georgia statue, a representation of national defense and hospitality. Meander through the historic Old Town, dating back to the 5th century. Witness the modern elegance of the Peace Bridge spanning the Mtkvari River.

Visit the grand Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the world's largest Orthodox cathedrals. Stroll down Rustaveli Avenue, the city's cultural and governmental artery, and observe Freedom Square, a central hub marking historical events.

Visitor Information

  • Narikala Fortress / Mother of Georgia: Open 24/7. No entrance fee.
  • Access to Narikala is by cable car from Rike Park (₾2.5 one way with Metromoney card) or by walking.
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral: Open daily during daylight hours. No entrance fee (donations welcome). Modest dress applies.
  • Old Town, Peace Bridge, Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square: Public spaces, open 24/7, no fees.

Viewing & Photography Tips

Best Viewing Times

  • Narikala/Mother of Georgia: Visit at sunset for stunning city light views.
  • Early morning visits offer fewer crowds and softer light.
  • Peace Bridge: Capture its beauty at night when LED lights make a striking visual effect.
  • Old Town: Wander without a stringent plan. Explore side streets and hidden courtyards.
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral: Offers impressive views from its expansive grounds, especially at dusk.
  • For entry to various attractions and tours, check GetYourGuide.

Less Crowded Times & Viewpoints

  • Early mornings generally deliver less crowded experiences at all major attractions.
  • For Narikala, explore different levels and paths around the fortification for varying perspectives.
  • The area around the sulfur baths in Abanotubani appears quieter early in the morning.
  • Discover quieter viewpoints by going for a walk up smaller streets in Sololaki.

These areas often reveal charming glimpses of the city below.

Museums & Institutions

  • Georgian National Museum (Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia): Major archaeological collection, including Dmanisi hominid fossils.
  • Museum of Soviet Occupation: Dedicated to the Soviet period (1921-1991) and political repression victims.
  • Georgian National Gallery: Features works by Georgian artists, including Niko Pirosmani.
  • Art Palace of Georgia: Extensive collections related to Georgian stage arts.

Cultural Venues

  • Specialized Museums:

    A Preserved home museum of Vakhtang Chabukiani (Ballet) and Museum of Georgian Folk and Applied Art.

  • Art Galleries:

    Numerous private galleries in Sololaki and Vera districts showcase contemporary Georgian art.

  • Theaters:

    Rustaveli Theatre (drama), Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Gabriadze Puppet Theatre (unique shows).

  • Special Exhibits:

    Check local schedules of events and museum websites for temporary exhibitions and cultural programs.

  • Booking:

    Find tickets and tours for museums and cultural experiences on GetYourGuide.

Historical Sites

Tbilisi’s history unfolds in its old buildings and preserved districts.

Architectural & Religious Heritage

Historical Districts & Architecture

  • Abanotubani (Sulfur Bath District)

    Famous for distinctive brick domes covering natural hot sulfur springs.

  • Sololaki District

    Known for ornate Art Nouveau and classical residential buildings, numerous ones with carved wooden balconies.

  • Narikala Fortress

    Ancient fortress with a long military history, serving various empires and rulers.

Religious & Spiritual Sites

  • Sioni Cathedral

    Historic Georgian Orthodox cathedral (6th-7th century), believed to house the cross of St. Nino.

  • Anchiskhati Basilica

    The oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, from the period of the 6th century.

  • Tbilisi Mosque (Jumah Mosque)

    Prominent for its unique design, serving both Sunni and Shia congregations.

Archaeological Sites

While central Tbilisi has limited extensive archaeological ruins, important sites exist as day trips (e.g., Jvari Monastery near Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe Cave Town).

Memorial Sites

The statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, founder of Tbilisi, near Metekhi Church. Chronicle of Georgia, a huge stone monument depicting Georgian history and religious scenes.

Metekhi Church

A 13th-century church with a dramatic cliff-top location looking out over the Mtkvari River, providing beautiful views of the Old Town.

Natural Attractions

Tbilisi balances its urban environment with accessible natural escapes.

  • Parks and Gardens: Vake Park, Mtatsminda Park (amusement rides, panoramic views), Botanical Garden (waterfalls, diverse flora), Rike Park (musical fountains).
  • Scenic Viewpoints plus Natural Marvels: Mtatsminda Park, Narikala Fortress, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall (in The Historic district near sulfur baths).
  • Wildlife Viewing: Limited within Tbilisi; for significant encounters, venture to Georgia's national parks (Lagodekhi, Borjomi-Kharagauli).

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main tourist trail, Tbilisi holds many lesser-famous treasures.

Explore off-the-beaten-off-the-beaten-path sights and local favorites for special experiences and photo opportunities.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Discover unique spots not always crowded with tourists.

Unique Finds

  • Dry Bridge Market (Flea Market): Eclectic outdoor bazaar with antiques, vintage items, art, and Soviet-era memorabilia.
  • Chubini Street / Bethlehem Street Stairs: Picturesque, winding streets in Old Town with traditional houses and secluded courtyards.
  • Tbilisi State Academy of Arts: Stunning A Style of art and architecture building, worth seeing for architecture.

Local Favorites

Experience places popular with residents for relaxation and recreation.

Peaceful Escapes

  • Lisi Lake: Recreational area popular for walking, cycling, and picnicking.
  • Turtle Lake (Kus Tba): Another lake near the city, popular for relaxation, summer swimming, and lakeside cafes. Accessible by ropeway.
  • Mamadaviti Church (on Mtatsminda): Quieter church with a historic cemetery of prominent Georgians.

Beaches, Lakes, & Waterways

Tbilisi has accessible water bodies for summer enjoyment.

Water Activities

  • Tbilisi Sea (Tbilisi Reservoir): Large artificial lake on city outskirts, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports during summer.
  • Mtkvari River: Flows through the city. While not for swimming in the center, boat tours offer scenic views.
  • Lisi Lake / Turtle Lake: Offer some the pool and club facilities during warmer months, popular for relaxation.
  • Geological Features: Natural sulfur springs in Abanotubani, giving Tbilisi its name ("warm place").

Emerging & Overlooked Destinations

Beyond the main tourist trails, explore areas with local authenticity.

Authentic Local Life

  • Dezerter Bazaar: Often ignored by tourists as a place to truly experience local life beyond just food, offering cultural immersion.
  • Smaller streets in Sololaki: Serene escapes with architectural charm and fewer crowds.
  • Green areas like Vake Park and Lisi Lake offer a respite from city bustle.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Architectural Beauty

  • The "Balcony Culture" of Sololaki and The Ancient part of the city provides endless photo openings with intricately carved wooden balconies.
  • The colorful houses on Betlemi Street offer a beautiful backdrop.
  • The view of the city from the Chronicle of Georgia monument delivers a truly unique and expansive perspective.

Scenic Views

  • Mtatsminda Park offers the most comprehensive panoramic views of Tbilisi.
  • Narikala Fortress provides dramatic perspectives of the Old Town and river, particularly at dusk.
  • Leghvtakhevi Waterfall has a surprising natural oasis for photos in the city center.

Natural Attractions

Tbilisi balances its city surroundings with accessible natural escapes.

Parks and Gardens

Vake Park, Mtatsminda Park (amusement rides, panoramic views), Botanical Garden (waterfalls, diverse flora), and Rike Park (musical fountains, chessboard).

Scenic Viewpoints

Mtatsminda Park offers the most comprehensive panoramic views. Narikala Fortress provides dramatic perspectives. Leghvtakhevi Waterfall is a charming oasis in Old Town.

Wildlife & Geology

Wildlife viewing is limited within Tbilisi; consider national parks for significant encounters. Natural sulfur springs in Abanotubani signify a geological feature.

Local Insights & Tips

Explore Dry Bridge Market

This eclectic outdoor market is a cultural experience, offering antiques, vintage items, and Soviet-era memorabilia.

Find Tours

Wander Sololaki Streets

Discover picturesque, twisting streets with traditional houses and secluded courtyards, away from main tourist flows.

Take a Walking Tour

Visit Tbilisi State Academy of Arts

Marvel at the stunning A Style of art and architecture building, distinguished for its impressive architecture.

Explore Architecture Tours

Relax at Lisi or Turtle Lake

These recreational areas are popular with locals for walking, cycling, picnicking, and peaceful escapes.

Find Outdoor Activities

Experience "Balcony Culture"

The intricately carved wooden balconies of Sololaki and The Old quarter provide endless photo opportunities.

Book a Private Tour

Beaches & Waterways

Access refreshing water bodies in and around Tbilisi.

Local Water Bodies

  • Tbilisi Sea (Tbilisi Reservoir): A large artificial lake popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports in summer.
  • Mtkvari River: Flows through the city's heart; boat trips are a pleasant way to experience it.
  • Lisi Lake & Turtle Lake: Provide beach and pool facilities during warmer months, popular for relaxation.

Wildlife & Geology

While urban, Tbilisi connects to Georgia's natural characteristics.

Natural Aspects

  • Wildlife spotting possibilities are limited within Tbilisi itself.
  • For significant wildlife encounters, plan trips to Georgia's national parks (Lagodekhi, Borjomi-Kharagauli).
  • The natural sulfur springs in Abanotubani represent a geological feature, giving Tbilisi its designation.
  • Explore the diverse flora within the Botanical Garden.

Essential Tip

For comprehensive arranging and information on every attraction and sightseeing tours in Tbilisi, visit GetYourGuide.

Browse a wide array of options and schedule your journey effectively.

Hidden Gems & Local Insights

Discover lesser-celebrated treasures and experience Tbilisi like a local.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Explore unique locations beyond the typical tourist routes.

Unusual Finds

  • Dry Bridge Market (Flea Market): An eclectic outdoor market selling antiques, art, vintage items, and Soviet-era memorabilia.
  • Chubini Street / Bethlehem Street Stairs: Picturesque, meandering roads in the Old Town with traditional houses and secluded courtyards.
  • Tbilisi State Academy of Arts: Located in a stunning Art Nouveau building, outstanding for its remarkable architecture.

Local Favorites

Visit places where local people go for relaxation and recreation.

Hidden Escapes

  • Lisi Lake: A recreational area popular with locals for walking, cycling, and picnicking, offering a peaceful escape.
  • Turtle Lake (Kus Tba): Another lake near the city, popular for relaxation, summer swimming, and lakeside cafes, accessible by ropeway.
  • Mamadaviti Church (on Mtatsminda): A quieter church with a historic cemetery where prominent Georgians are buried, offering tranquility.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture the unique essence of Tbilisi's charm.

Architectural Highlights

  • The "Balcony Culture" of Sololaki and Old Town gives endless photo opportunities with their intricately carved wooden balconies.
  • The colorful houses on Betlemi Street offer a beautiful backdrop.
  • The view of the city from the Chronicle of Georgia monument delivers a truly unique and expansive perspective.

These locations provide distinct visual elements for memorable photographs.

Emerging Destinations

Discover areas that offer a more authentic glimpse into local life.

Local Experiences

  • Dezerter Bazaar: Many tourists overlook this market as a place to truly experience local life beyond just food, offering cultural immersion.
  • Explore various city districts on foot to discover local businesses and routine scenes.

These spots provide a more engaging an experience distant from main tourist crowds.

Architectural Gems

Tbilisi's buildings tell stories of its rich past and diverse influences.

Distinctive Styles

  • Sololaki District: Ornate Art Nouveau and classical residential buildings, often with intricately carved wooden balconies.
  • Abanotubani: The characteristic brick domes covering the natural hot sulfur springs.
  • Tbilisi Mosque: Unique design serving both Sunni and Shia congregations, an example of religious harmony.

These architectural elements embody Tbilisi's multicultural past.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Organized Tours

Consider booking guided walking tours for understanding the Old Town's history and hidden alleys.

Transport Access

Utilize public transport (metro, buses) or ride-sharing apps to reach attractions further from the city center.

Flexibility

Allow ample time for exploration, especially in places such as the Old Town, that happen to be best discovered by wandering.

Booking Your Adventures

For all your attraction and sightseeing bookings, visit GetYourGuide to find tickets, guided tours, plus one-of-a-kind activities.